The James Watts — Restaurant in Stockport

We live locally to this pub and go regularly on a Friday evening as it has a lovely atmosphere. Unfortunately this evening we were rudely turned away at the door and advised that they don’t allow people wearing tracksuits to enter. The barmaid said that no matter how nice or expensive the tracksuit bottoms I was wearing we’re, it was a rule. Clearly we were both well dressed, on our way to dinner at a local restaurant but they seem to have recently introduced this ridiculous rule and we had to leave. We go there most weeks and are usually one of the more smartly dressed couples, even when wearing jeans (which don’t seem to be an issue) however they don’t seem to have grasped that fashion has moved on and are willing to lose custom over a very old fashioned view. We didn’t argue with the girl who advised us, feeling very embarrassed about being shown out just as we’d arrived and we certainly won’t be going back to explain our point of view. Especially not when the Royal Oak has just re-opened nearby and has a very...

Formerly Star Inn, became James Watts in early 2017. Relaxed and friendly, with two rooms at the front both well-appointed and comfortable with a mix of bench and other seating. These lead you to the middle section with high posing tables set atop wooden casks; these have a bare brick wall behind them with a feature wall of tiny blackboard tablets labelled with the names of numerous drinks. In front of that is the bar featuring an array of handpumps dispensing both beers Hydes and guests. Further to the rear is another area laid out with tables, beyond this a full-width set of doors leads to the outdoor...

I’ve been visiting this pub since the old Star days, Liz the former landlady did an exquisite job of transforming it to a staple pub amongst the many local Cheadle clientele for many years. Unfortunately the new owners don’t have the same drive or passion to keep this reputation. They seem happy to keep the custom of the lower class of society in their establishment. Which is a shame when compared to how the former landlady had transformed the pub into THE central pub of Cheadle. Avoid at all costs if you want a nice social drink - you may accosted by an angry local who has the protection...